Willie Nelson Filling 2018 Calendar: Watch

On Jan. 6, Willie Nelson left the Harrah’s Resort SoCal stage abruptly after singing just one song at his concert in Southern California. According to published recollections from fans in attendance, the singer began performing his customary opening number, “Whiskey River,” but was coughing and appeared to be having difficult breathing. He left the stage and did not return.

Nelson canceled three more dates he was scheduled to play that week. His longtime publicist stated at the time that Nelson had “a bad cold or the flu” and was headed back to his home in Texas to recuperate.

Nelson has not only rescheduled those canceled dates, he’s added many more for what looks like a busy 2018 calendar for the Country and Americana music legend who turns 85 on April 29.

To coincide with that landmark event, Legacy Recordings released Nelson’s newest studio album, Last Man Standing, on April 27.

Nelson’s first rescheduled performance took place on Feb. 28. By the looks of the clips below, the red headed stranger sounds as good as ever. Dates also include Alison Krauss, Van Morrison and others.

And he’s also scheduled his annual 4th of July Picnic for Austin, TX, with guests that include son Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real and Edie Brickell.

Watch Nelson on his second performance back, on March 2

Watch Nelson perform a favorite on March 3

Watch “On the Road Again,” from March 6

And one more from that same show…

Willie Nelson & Family 2018 Tour Dates (Tickets are available here and here)